VCH's teamwork shines at qGH

Meet Kim Leahy, a Patient Care Coordinator/Clinical Nurse Educator of Outpatient Clinics at qathet General Hospital (qGH) in Powell River. After starting her career as a traveling nurse across North America, Kim returned to her hometown in the qathet region and joined Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in 2005.

Kim has worked in various clinical areas, including critical care and clinical education, and has spent many years at qGH in the outpatient setting. "I chose the nursing profession because I genuinely enjoy working with people and supporting them on their healthcare journeys," she says.

In 2020, Kim became the Clinical Operations Supervisor of the vaccination clinics. "I thoroughly enjoyed that experience, so when a leadership role for Outpatient Clinics was created, I was thrilled to be chosen for the position, as it is a perfect fit!" Thanks to career development opportunities in the qathet region, Kim now leads a team of 30 nurses, allied health workers, and support staff who deliver care across various outpatient clinics, including oncology, dietetics, adult speech-language pathology, and ambulatory care.

"The incredible outdoor lifestyle is a major attraction for new employees here in qathet,” says Kim. “If you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, paddling, or simply being close to nature, this could be the perfect place for you!"

Kim let us know that VCH is attracting team members from all over. "Some of the recent hires within my team alone have come to us from Alberta, the Fraser Valley, and the Cayman Islands," she says. "VCH’s commitment to helping new hires find housing when they arrive at qathet is one of the biggest supports provided."

Working with a very positive group of people, whose main goal is to provide excellent, safe patient care, keeps Kim motivated. As a team, they are always looking for ways to improve care and services for patients and clients, utilizing technology and evolving resources. "In turn, a supportive team environment is not only created but sustained," says Kim. "At the end of the day, it all comes down to the patients, and how we can best ensure they receive amazing care here at qathet."

Kim appreciates that VCH recognizes the unique challenges of providing care in rural and remote settings compared to urban environments. "VCH has developed remarkable resources and created roles within the organization to support rural practice," she says. "I have been delighted to collaborate with my peers to meet our patients’ needs here in qathet."

Kim describes her team at qGH as "some of the most dedicated, creative, and intelligent humans I have ever met." Collaboration is constant to meet patient care needs. This can involve simple tasks like ensuring the dietitian sees a patient while they receive systemic cancer therapy in the hospital, avoiding the need for a separate appointment. It can also mean working with other teams, such as the North Shore and Richmond Diabetes Education Centres, to ensure clients access the necessary supports.

A significant part of Kim's role is utilizing an “open-door” model. "I make sure I am available to help problem-solve challenges and act as a bridge to facilitate collaboration," she says. "My senior leadership operates under a very similar model and is easily available to support my practice, too." This problem-solving approach drives innovative, patient-centered care in a rural setting.

Kim stays engaged in continuous learning through participation in webinars and Learning Hub modules within the Leadership Series. "I have found them immensely helpful in my practice," she says. "As an educator, it's my responsibility to support the educational needs of my team members, and my own learning journey continues daily in this dynamic world of health care."

A core value VCH holds dear is its commitment to caring for all individuals, including patients, residents, staff, and medical professionals. VCH believes fostering career growth and development, including upskilling opportunities, is deeply intertwined with these values. The aim is for the team to feel motivated and empowered to provide the highest standard of care.

Ready to live, work and play in the qathet region? Check out our current opportunities and apply today.

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